For Kittens and Cats, Time Can be an Enemy or an Ally

Bombay and Simba became homeless late September 2024, two days after Hurricane Helene hit Tampa Bay. The flooding of their home was the perfect excuse for their mom to abandon them—just 10 months after adopting them. She even put euthanasia on the table. CATpassionate Village couldn’t let that happen.

Looking back, time has not been kind to these two. Their development, when contrasted against that of their two siblings, Blue and Dusty, reinforces the importance in the investment of time.

They started from the same place.

Late summer 2023, the four kittens—two solid gray and two orange tabbies—were trapped, along with their mother, in the backyard of a CATpassionate Village board member. Mama Cat (Tori) was spayed and returned while the kittens were fostered by me.

The nagging question: Are these kittens too old to be socialized? They were at least 10 weeks old.

Over the course of six or eight weeks, I worked with the kittens, using Delectable Squeeze Ups on my finger for them to lick from and providing a variety of play toys. I even gave up my office so they would have a lot of space to play and a window to lay in front of. I made sure I held them often despite their protests.

Their journeys became very different.

One prospective adopter surfaced right away. Simba and Bombay’s mom was ready to take them quickly, but I explained they needed work and to be vetted (neutered/vaccinated). Another prospective adopter was declined once it was revealed they would declaw. Then, Mama Angela appeared at our front door saying, “I’m supposed to adopt Blue and Dusty.”

She could not have been more right. Dusty and Blue were the hardest to socialize of the four. But Mama Angela and her beautiful family were all in.

“When we first brought Blue home, I did not think we would love her as much as we do now. She was just so scared and timid—so stonewalled for so long,” said Angela. “We knew she needed time, but we did not expect to reveal the affectionate little lover that she is now.

“Those tiny little victories each day assured us we were doing this right. She started purring. She wouldn’t ball up as much whenever we would pet her. Then she started letting us hold her a little longer and started to engage with us whenever we would bring in the string toys. Soon, she started coming to us for attention," Angela continued. She started snuggling and sleeping in bed with us. Now, she’s a lap cat that always needs to be the center of attention, competing with our other cats for head butts and scritches. Her personality started to shine. She is so smart, sweet to our kids, and sometimes a bit of a sassy diva.”

To this day, Dusty is still reserved. “Dusty still doesn’t like to be held, but he does like to snuggle up next to us, and he really does not like kisses. The first time I kissed him on the head, he was so startled that this tiny kitten hissed right in my face. For some people, that would be a deal breaker,” said Mama Angela. But it wasn’t for her or her family.

Angela devoted a lot of time to socializing Blue and Dusty. “Playtime is so important for kittens and can benefit cats even when they are seniors. Obligate carnivores have an instinct to hunt and catch their prey. As apex predators, they have to exert that energy or it may lead to unwanted behavior like biting or scratching furniture. Just 15 minutes a day of play interaction will make a noticeable improvement in a cat’s behavior.”

For Dusty and Blue, engaging in playtime with string toys (0:33 video) gives them a positive outlet and strengthens the trust bond. "Blue would get carried away with her string toy and sometimes didn’t want to give it up, but she gained the confidence that she needed to let her guard down. Once you build a bond with love, treats, and lots of playtime, you become safe; you become fun. You become home,” (1:24 video) added Angela.

Today, Angela says, “They are totally different cats from the kittens we brought home. It feels like we have been a family forever.”

Instability creates distrust, fear.

Simba and Bombay’s story could not be more different. Of the four kittens they were the most well-adjusted before adoption but still needed work. We just don’t know what their lives were like in their home but judging from the distrust and fear they initially exhibited when in my home, they did not develop like Blue and Dusty.

Plus, since late September, they have been in four different environments. Right now, they are with Foster Mom Andrea who has provided a perfect space for them to roam, live like cats and enjoy a screened lanai. She works with them daily to socialize them.

Foster Mom Andrea is already seeing Simba and Bombay blossom into loving cats. She said around 7 p.m. they put themselves to bed—in her bed. And when she joins them, they flank her on either side. While Simba doesn’t invite pets, Bombay is definitely a lovebug. Our hope with more time, Simba will warm up.

With time, we are hopeful.

Time can be an enemy or an ally in the socialization of a kitten or cat. If you’re willing to invest the time and yourself you could build bonds that will last a lifetime. Simba and Bombay are just over a year old. We know these two boys are still young enough to find their forever home and develop into the cats they were meant to be. They just need a committed person or family willing to invest time, energy and themselves.

If you’re interested in adopting Simba and Bombay—we want to keep them together, since they are bonded siblings—please email us at catpassionate@gmail.com.